We love the outdoors. Frogs croaking in the rushes, birds chirping, and the distant whisper of streams or waterfalls form the subtle melody of the natural world. However, not everyone loves the discomfort that comes from sleeping on the hard ground or exposed to the elements. Some of us want to combine modern comfort with the appeal of the great outdoors. That’s why we have glamping. What in the world is glamping? Well, it is a portmanteau of glamor and camping. People bring all the comforts of home on their camping trip! If you want to try glamping for the first time this summer, here are a few tips to get you started:

1. Identify a Location

A good glamping area should always be safe and secure. You can find spots at camping grounds or park areas. If you can, find a place by a river or waterfall. It is, however, advisable to stay away from the wind or have a natural bulwark like a hill, escarpment, or trees between you and the wind.

2. Bring a Real Shelter

Sleeping bags are not going to cut it here! You will need a proper shelter and sleeping quarters. Go for a large A-Frame tent, teepee, or yurt that has thicker walls and a lined floor. It all depends on what you feel will keep you cozy. So that you won’t have to sleep on a rock, make sure to bring a good air mattress, blankets, and pillows!

3. Lighting

If you’ve only brought a flashlight, it’s time to up your game. Glamping needs a little more color and charm. Candles, lanterns, and chargeable bulbs will suffuse your new home-away-from-home with beauty and relaxing energy.

4. Spruce Up the Outdoors

Right outside your tent is a gorgeous natural canvass. Why don’t you try and make it look like some kind of a porch! Bring in a hammock, foldable table, and chairs. Start up a firepit for some roasted marshmallows! Throw in a few accessories like lanterns and throw pillows to make the area well and truly lived-in. Take in the green view and the fresh smell of blossoming flowers!

5. Fine Cuisine

Do not carry pre-cooked or tinned food. That’s camping, but this is glamping, so the food has to be better! This is easy if you are staying in a spacious outdoors space. Just carry around a small glass stove and punch in with a few ingredients of the meals you would like to do over the course of your stay (typically 1-3 days). Make every single meal count. If you can, carry along with you a little portable grill and do some fresh-air BBQ.

Glamping is fun. It is a way of improving your camping experience with a touch of glamor! You can tinker around with locations, types of shelters and activities. Never be afraid to explore nature in your own way!